Club now on sound base

Press, 24 July 1987, Page 24

Club now on sound base

Driving flat out over bumpy paddocks at speeds approaching 135km/h may not be everybody’s idea of fun, but to members of the Canterbury Off-Road Club it’s all in a day’s sport The club was formed in 1982 in an effort to bring together the various individuals who had been interested in off-road competition in Canterbury but lacked a common purpose.

Trevor Cox and Robin Griffiths instigated the formation of the club and from a humble beginning of 25 members the club has grown to the stage where it has a membership of 80 and a permanent circuit of its own.

Although various car club type events, including gymkhanas, were run initially, it quickly became obvious that the offroad racing aspect of the club’s activities would take over. More of the sophisticated single and twin-seat racers were constructed and with rigid safety regulations enforced the club has an enviable safety record.

The club runs races for four capacity classes, these being 0-1224 cu cm,

1224-1400 cu cm, 1400 cu cm-1600 cu cm and 1600 cu cm and over.

Race meetings are held at venues from Loburn to Templeton, and club members are keen to preserve the diversity of venues available after the opening of their new Ruapuna circuit Club nights where members can discuss the construction of their vehicles and problems associated with them are also a popular part of the club calendar. Three South Island championships have been run by the club and spectator attendances have been encouraging. This year the championship will be held at the Ruapuna circuit on September 27.

The new track, which has been constructed mainly by club members at working bees, will provide a good test of man and machine as it incorporates two good straights and a series of tight corners within the confines of its 800 m length. According to experienced observers, it is a circuit which will make unwary drivers "pay” for their mistakes. JOHN HAWKINS